U.S. patent application number 12/758247 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for disposable wearing article.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZUIKO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Mamoru Itani, Shuhei Kurata, Toyoshi Umebayashi, Takao Wada.
Application Number | 20100193111 12/758247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34131504 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100193111 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wada; Takao ; et
al. |
August 5, 2010 |
DISPOSABLE WEARING ARTICLE
Abstract
A method comprising a step of manufacturing an elastic laminated
body by laminating two webs and while inserting an elastic member
in an extended state in a web length direction in between; a step
of cutting the elastic laminated body in a length direction so that
a concave portion and a convex portion appear alternately; a step
of attaching a cover sheet to bridge between the concave portion
and the convex portion of cut first elastic laminated body and
second elastic laminated body, respectively; a step of widening the
first elastic laminated body and the second elastic laminated body
to which the cover sheet is attached; and a step of attaching an
absorber onto the cover sheet, lessens the occurrence of wrinkles
and creases produced when webs are cut, and eliminates a problem
attributed to the occurrence of wrinkles and arising when an
absorber is attached.
Inventors: |
Wada; Takao; (Settsu-shi,
JP) ; Umebayashi; Toyoshi; (Settsu-shi, JP) ;
Kurata; Shuhei; (Settsu-shi, JP) ; Itani; Mamoru;
(Settsu-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESPOS & PORCO LLP
110 West 40th Street, Suite 2501
NEW YORK
NY
10018
US
|
Assignee: |
ZUIKO CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
34131504 |
Appl. No.: |
12/758247 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10565151 |
Jan 19, 2006 |
|
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PCT/JP2004/011498 |
Aug 4, 2004 |
|
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12758247 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
156/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 156/1087 20150115;
Y10T 156/1062 20150115; A61F 13/15723 20130101; A61F 13/15756
20130101; Y10T 156/1067 20150115; A61F 13/15699 20130101; Y10T
156/1084 20150115; A61F 2013/49063 20130101; A61F 13/49011
20130101; Y10T 156/1056 20150115; A61F 13/15593 20130101; Y10T
156/1057 20150115; Y10T 156/1052 20150115; A61F 2013/49025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/163 |
International
Class: |
B32B 38/04 20060101
B32B038/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 6, 2003 |
JP |
2003-288204 |
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article,
comprising the steps of: cutting an outer surface web in a length
direction of the outer surface web to form a first outer surface
web and a second outer surface web; spacing the first outer surface
web and the second outer surface web from each other; cutting an
inner surface web in a length direction of the inner surface web to
form a first inner surface web and a second inner surface web;
spacing the first inner surface web and the second inner surface
web from each other; manufacturing a first elastic laminated body
by placing at least one first elastic member in an extended state
in a web length direction between the first outer surface web and
the first inner surface web, and laminating the first outer surface
web to the first inner surface web; manufacturing a second
laminated body by placing at least one second elastic member in an
extended state in a web length direction between the second outer
surface web and the second inner surface web, and laminating the
second outer surface web to the second inner surface web; and
attaching an absorber to the first elastic laminated body and the
second elastic laminated body which are spaced from each other.
2. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 1, wherein: in the step of cutting the outer
surface web, the outer surface web is cut to form the first outer
surface web having a constant width in a width direction and the
second outer surface web having a constant width in a width
direction.
3. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 1, wherein: in the step of cutting the inner
surface web, the inner surface web is cut to thereby have concave
portions and convex portions alternately.
4. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 3, further comprising: a step of shifting the
first inner surface web and the second inner surface web in the
length direction so that concave portions of the respective webs
oppose each other.
5. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of forming a leg
hole portion by cutting out the first and second outer surface webs
after the steps of manufacturing the first elastic laminated body
and the second elastic laminated body.
6. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 1, wherein: the elastic member includes a waist
elastic member, a body-fitting elastic member, and a leg peripheral
elastic member, and the leg peripheral elastic member is in a state
where the leg peripheral elastic member is provided in a linear
state or a curved line state in a width direction of the wearing
article or in a state having the both states.
7. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of side-sealing
both side portions of the first elastic laminated body and the
second elastic laminated body while the absorber is in a folded
state.
8. A method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article,
comprising the steps of: cutting an inner surface web in a length
direction of the inner surface web into a first inner surface web
and a second inner surface web; spacing the first inner surface web
and the second inner surface web from each other; manufacturing a
first elastic laminated body and a second elastic laminated body by
placing at least one first elastic member in an extended state in a
web length direction between a single outer surface web and the
first inner surface web, and placing at least one second elastic
member in an extended state in a web length direction between the
single outer surface web and the second inner surface web, and
laminating the single outer surface web over the first inner
surface web and the second inner surface web, the first elastic
laminated body and the second elastic laminated body being
connected via the single outer surface web; and attaching an
absorber to the first inner surface web and the second inner
surface web which are spaced from each other; and forming a leg
hole portion by cutting out the single outer surface web after the
step of manufacturing the first elastic laminated body and the
second elastic laminated body.
9. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 8, wherein: in the step of cutting the inner
surface web, the inner surface web is cut to thereby have concave
portions and convex portions alternately.
10. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 10, further comprising: a step of shifting the
first inner surface web and the second inner surface web in the
length direction so that concave portions of the respective webs
oppose each other.
11. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 8, wherein: in the step of cutting the inner
surface web, the inner surface web is cut to form the first inner
surface web having a constant width in a width direction and the
second inner surface web having a constant width in a width
direction.
12. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 8, wherein: the elastic member includes a waist
elastic member, a body-fitting elastic member, and a leg peripheral
elastic member, and the leg peripheral elastic member is in a state
where the leg peripheral elastic member is provided in a linear
state or a curved line state in a width direction of the wearing
article or in a state having the both states.
13. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 8, further comprising: a step of side-sealing
both side portions of the first elastic laminated body and the
second elastic laminated body while the absorber is in a folded
state.
14. A method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article,
comprising the steps of: manufacturing an elastic laminated body by
placing at least one elastic member in an extended state in a web
length direction between two webs; cutting the elastic laminated
body in a length direction of the elastic laminated body into a
first elastic laminated body having a constant width in a width
direction of the first elastic laminated body and a second elastic
laminated body having a constant width in a width direction of the
second elastic laminated body; attaching an absorber to the first
elastic laminated body and the second elastic laminated body; and
forming a leg hole portion by cutting out the first elastic
laminated body and the second elastic laminated body.
15. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 14, wherein: the first elastic laminated body
and the second elastic laminated body are cut out after the step of
attaching the absorber to the first elastic laminated body and the
second elastic laminated body.
16. The method for manufacturing a disposable wearing article
according to claim 14, wherein: the first elastic laminated body
and the second elastic laminated body are cut out before the step
of attaching the absorber to the first elastic laminated body and
the second elastic laminated body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/565,151 filed on Jan. 19, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method of continuously
manufacturing disposable wearing articles, such as disposable
diapers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] As is shown in FIG. 28, in the step of manufacturing
disposable wearing articles in a transverse flow state (see an
arrow indicted by a capital A), it is known to cut a web 41 in the
length direction so that concave portions 41a and convex portions
41b appear alternately, then widen a first web 41A and a second web
41B, and attach absorbers 42 to bridge between the concave portions
41a and the convex portions 41b of the first web 41A and the second
web 41B (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos.
2002-306534 and 002-272781).
[0006] When the web 41 is cut into the first web 41A and the second
web 41B, however, tension in the length direction of the web is
kept applied on portions including W11, whereas tension is no
longer applied on portions including W12 because these portions are
in open width and therefore hard to hold. This readily gives rise
to wrinkles in the portions including W12 (convex portions 41b),
and a problem arises when absorbers are attached. In a case where
an elastic member is inserted in the web 41 in the length direction
of the web, a contractive force in the length direction is induced
in the portions including W12 (convex portions 41b) after the web
is cut, which gives rise to wrinkles and creases. In particular, in
a case where a leg peripheral elastic member 43 is inserted in the
portions (convex portions 41b) including W12 along convex portions,
a contractive force is induced in a direction different from the
direction of the tension that is applied while the web is
transported in open width. This gives rise to more significant
wrinkles and creases, and a problem arises when the absorbers are
attached.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a manufacturing
method of a disposable wearing article that is free from the
problems residing in the prior art.
[0008] It is another object to provide a manufacturing method of a
disposable wearing article that does not raise a problem attributed
to the occurrence of wrinkles when the absorber is attached by
reducing the occurrences of wrinkles and creases when the web is
cut.
[0009] According to an aspect of the invention, a web is cut in a
length direction so that a concave portion and a convex portion
appear alternately. A cover sheet or an absorber is attached to the
cut first web and second web after or before widening the first web
and the second web.
[0010] These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages
of the present invention will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments/examples with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a system view detailing the manufacturing steps of
a disposable wearing article of a first embodiment, FIG. 1A being a
general view and FIG. 1B being an enlarged view of a major
portion;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
Steps 1 through 5;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
Steps 6 through 10;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
Steps 11 through 16;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a disposable
wearing article;
[0016] FIGS. 6A through 6F are cross sections of major portions
showing the manufacturing status in Steps 1 through 5;
[0017] FIGS. 7A through 7F are cross sections of major portions
showing the manufacturing status in Steps 6 through 10;
[0018] FIGS. 8A through 8D are cross sections of major portions
showing the manufacturing status in Steps 11 through 16;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a disposable wearing article of the first
embodiment, FIG. 9A being a plan view in a developed state, FIG. 9B
being a schematic sectional side elevation, and FIG. 9C being a
schematic sectional bottom view;
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a disposable wearing article of a first
modification, FIG. 10A being a plan view in a developed state and
FIG. 10B being a sectional side elevation;
[0021] FIG. 11 shows a disposable wearing article of a second
modification, FIG. 11A being a plan view in a developed state and
FIG. 11B being a schematic sectional side elevation;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the disposable wearing article of
the first embodiment in a fabricated state;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an attachment state of an
elastic member in an elastic laminated body and a cutting line;
[0024] FIG. 14A is a plan view showing an attachment state of an
elastic member in an elastic laminated body of a first modification
and a cutting line, and FIG. 14B is a plan view showing an
attachment state of an elastic member in an elastic laminated body
of a second modification and a cutting line;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a system view detailing the manufacturing steps
of a disposable wearing article of a second embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
major steps;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a disposable wearing article of the second
embodiment, FIG. 17A being a plan view in a developed state and
FIG. 17B being a schematic sectional side elevation;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
major steps of a disposable wearing article of a third
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 19 shows a disposable wearing article of the third
embodiment, FIG. 19A being a plan view in a developed state and
FIG. 19B being a schematic sectional side elevation;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a system view detailing the manufacturing steps
of a disposable wearing article of a fourth embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
major steps;
[0032] FIG. 22 shows a disposable wearing article of the fourth
embodiment, FIG. 22A being a plan view in a developed state and
FIG. 22B being a schematic sectional side elevation;
[0033] FIG. 23 shows a disposable wearing article of a first
modification, FIG. 23A being a plan view in a developed state, FIG.
23B being a schematic sectional side elevation, and FIG. 23C being
a schematic sectional front view;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a plan view of a disposable wearing article of a
second modification in a developed state;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a system view detailing the manufacturing steps
of a disposable wearing article of a fifth embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
major steps;
[0037] FIG. 27 shows a disposable wearing article of the fifth
embodiment, FIG. 27A being a plan view in a developed state, FIG.
27B being a schematic sectional side elevation, and FIG. 27C being
a schematic sectional bottom view; and
[0038] FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a manufacturing status in
major steps of a disposable wearing article in the related art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Hereinafter, best modes for carrying out the invention will
be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0040] FIG. 1 through FIG. 14 show a disposable wearing article 1A
of a first embodiment and a manufacturing method of the same.
[0041] FIG. 9 shows a state where the disposable wearing article 1A
is developed. FIG. 9A is a plan view, FIG. 9B is a schematic
sectional side elevation, and FIG. 9C is a schematic sectional
bottom view. FIG. 12 is a front view of the disposable wearing
article 1A in a fabricated state.
[0042] As is shown in FIG. 9, the disposable wearing article 1A
includes a cover sheet 2 attached to bridge between a front portion
(first elastic laminated body 12A) P and a back portion (second
elastic laminated body 12B) Q, and an absorber 3 is attached onto
the cover sheet 2. The front portion P and the back portion Q are
placed one on the other by folding the absorber 3 inward with the
cover sheet 2 on the outside, and an article of an underpants type
as is shown in FIG. 12 is fabricated by side-sealing the both side
portions 1a of the front portion P and the back portion Q. The both
side portions 1a may not be side-sealed, and instead, the both side
portions 1a may be stopped in an attachable/detachable manner using
a stopper tape or the like, so that an article of a tape type is
obtained.
[0043] In the disposable wearing article 1A, a crotch portion R is
defined by the absorber 3 and leg opening portions S are formed on
the both sides of the absorber 3.
[0044] The manufacturing method of the disposable wearing article
1A of the first embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 1 through FIG. 8.
[0045] (1) Steps 1 through 5 show a step of manufacturing the first
elastic laminated body 12A on the front portion P side and the
second elastic laminated body 12B on the back portion Q side from
an elastic laminated body 12 in a transverse flow state, and then
attaching the cover sheet 2.
[0046] [Step 1] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 6, the
elastic laminated body 12 is manufactured by bonding an outer
surface web 10 and an inner surface web 11 that are made of
non-woven fabric and fed continuously in a length direction A while
inserting body-fitting elastic members 4 and leg peripheral elastic
members 5A and 5B on the front portion P side and the back portion
Q side in an extended state in the length direction A in between
(see FIGS. 6A through 6C). By taking displacement in width at the
time of bonding into account, it is preferable to set a breadth W2
of the inner surface web 11 narrower than a breadth W1 of the outer
surface web 10.
[0047] The leg peripheral elastic member 5A and the body-fitting
elastic member 4 are attached linearly in the length direction A,
whereas the leg peripheral elastic member 5B is attached in a
curved line to go along the concave portion 12b that will be
described below.
[0048] For example, a hot melt adhesive is applied on at least one
of the webs 10 and 11, so that these webs 10 and 11 are bonded to
each other while the body-fitting elastic member 4 and the leg
peripheral elastic members 5A and 5B are inserted in between.
[0049] Polyurethane, natural rubber, heat curable resin, etc. can
be used as materials of the body-fitting elastic member 4 and the
leg peripheral elastic members 5A and 5B. These members can be of a
thread shape or a ribbon shape. Also, the number of each member is
not limited to one, and each member may be made of more than one
thread or ribbon. In a case where heat curable resin is used as the
material, when the heat curable resin itself has a capability of
bonding the webs 10 and 11, the hot melt adhesive may be omitted.
It should be noted that the same description applies to materials
and shapes of elastic members 5C, 6, and 7 described below.
[0050] [Step 2] The elastic laminated body 12 is cut into the first
elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic laminated body
12B in the length direction A so that concave portions 12a and
convex portions (leg peripheral flap portions) 12b appear
alternately in Step 3 described in the following. In preceding Step
2, portions 12c where contractive forces are lessened are formed by
applying treatment to lessen contractive forces of the body-fitting
elastic members 4 and the leg peripheral elastic members 5A and 5B
in the concave portions 12a and the convex portions 12b on the
second elastic laminated body 12B side.
[0051] As the treatment to lessen contractive forces, for example,
a method of fusing the body-fitting elastic member 4 and the leg
peripheral elastic members 5A and 5B using an embossed roll (heat
embossing) (see JP-A-2002-113042), or a method of cutting the
body-fitting elastic member 4 and the leg peripheral elastic
members 5A and 5B using a gather cutter 14 (see FIG. 1) can be
adopted. It is preferable to fuse or cut these members while the
elastic laminated body 12 placed along the roll is drawn in vacuum.
The step of lessening contractive forces can be performed at any
timing before Step 11 of attaching the absorber 3 described
below.
[0052] [Step 3] The first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B are manufactured by cutting the elastic
laminated body 12 in the length direction A using an S-cutter 15
(so-called S-cutting, see a cutting line C), so that the concave
portions 12a and the convex portions 12b appear alternately in the
elastic laminated body 12 (see FIG. 6D). The cutting may be made in
the form of a perforated line so that laminated bodies can be
separated at the time of widening described below.
[0053] As is shown in FIG. 13, when the elastic laminated body 12
is cut into the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B by the S-cutting (see the cutting line
C), circular arc portions indicated by hatching a are left on the
both sides of the first elastic laminated body 12A. These circular
arc portions may be left intact or may be cut off from the design
consideration. FIG. 9 through FIG. 12 show the disposable wearing
article 1A of an underpants type with these portions being cut
off.
[0054] A length W8 of the elastic laminated body 12A in the width
direction may be extended. In such a case, the raise length can be
extended, which can in turn increase the commercial value.
[0055] [Step 4] The liquid-impermeable cover sheet 2 continuously
fed in the length direction A is folded in the shape of .OMEGA. by
providing slack comparable to the widening described below, and
then cut in a specific width W3 (see FIG. 2) using cut and place
rollers 20 (A and B). The cover sheet 2 thus cut is bonded to
bridge between the inner surface webs 11 on the concave portion 12a
and the convex portion 12b of the first elastic laminated body 12A
and the second elastic laminated body 12B, respectively (see FIG.
6E).
[0056] It is preferable to bond the cover sheet 2 to the inner
surface webs 11 when wrinkles are hardly produced in the convex
portion 12b of the second elastic laminated body 12B, and it is
particularly preferable to perform bonding immediately after the
cutting in Step 3.
[0057] As is shown in FIG. 1B, it is preferable that the cover
sheet 2 folded in the shape of S2 is cut by the cut roller 20A,
then transported on the place roller 20B, and bonded to bridge
between the inner surface webs 11 on the concave portion 12a and
the convex portion 12b of the first elastic laminated body 12A and
the second elastic laminated body 12B, respectively, on a back
sheet lamination drum 50.
[0058] The cover sheet 2 can be hydrophobic non-woven fabric, such
as PP and PE.
[0059] For the cover sheet 2, the width W3 is set to be almost
equal to that of the absorber 3 and the length is set shorter than
that of the absorber 3. By taking into account displacement in
width caused when the absorber 3 is attached, it is preferable in
practice to set the width W3 of the cover sheet 2 about 6 to 13%
wider.
[0060] [Step 5] The cut first elastic laminated body 12A and second
elastic laminated 12B are widened by a specific interval W4 in the
width direction W (see FIG. 6F). The cover sheet 2 is thus expanded
to be flat and bridge between the concave portions 12a and the
convex portions 12b of the first elastic laminated body 12A and the
second elastic laminated body 12B, respectively.
[0061] (2) Step 6 through Step 10 show one example of a step of
manufacturing the absorber 3.
[0062] [Step 6] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 7, a sheet
for rising flaps 8 that is made of non-woven fabric and fed
continuously in the length direction A is cut in the length
direction A by a slitter 16 (see FIG. 7A). The cut rising flaps 8
are widened by a specific interval W5 in the width direction W (see
FIG. 7B). Subsequently, a flap elastic member 7 in an extended
state in the length direction A is inserted and bonded to the
interior of an incurved portion 8a of each rising flap 8 curled
inwardly using a sailor 28 (see FIGS. 7C and 7D). Subsequently,
rear anchor portions 8b of the rising flaps 8 are bonded to the
both side portions of a top sheet 9A that is made of
liquid-permeable non-woven fabric and fed continuously in the
length direction A (see FIG. 7E).
[0063] [Step 7] A core 3a of the absorber 3 is molded in a
longitudinal flow state by laminating fibrillated fluff made by
pulverizing a roll pulp 17 using a pulverizer 18 on a pattern drum
19. The fluff may be mixed with super absorbent polymer.
[0064] [Step 8] Leg peripheral elastic members 5C in an extended
state in the length direction A are attached along the both side
portions of a back sheet 9B that is made of non-woven fabric and
fed continuously in the length direction A while a
liquid-impermeable synthetic resin film 9b is bonded to the back
surface.
[0065] In this embodiment, because the cover sheet 2 can be used as
the non-woven fabric back sheet, the back sheet 9B may be made of
only a liquid-impermeable waterproof film, such as a polyethylene
film, in this step. In such a case, the leg peripheral elastic
members are also attached along the both side portions in the same
manner.
[0066] [Step 9] The absorber 3 in a lengthy state in the length
direction A is manufactured by placing the core 3a on the back
sheet 9B manufactured in Step 8, and bonding the top sheet 9A
manufactured in Step 6 to the back sheet 9B with a hot melt
adhesive or the like while the core 3a and the leg peripheral
elastic members 5C are inserted in between (see FIG. 7F).
[0067] As the liquid-impermeable sheet, a polyethylene film or a
water-shedding or breathable non-woven fabric is preferable. As the
liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-permeable non-woven fabric or a
mesh sheet is preferable.
[0068] [Step 10] The absorber 3 of a rectangular shape is
manufactured by cutting the absorber 3 in a lengthy state in the
length direction A together with the rising flaps 8 at every
specific length using an interior cutter 21.
[0069] A transfer sheet 29 (see FIG. 9) may be interposed between
the core 3a and the top sheet 9A. The transfer sheet 29 diffuses
urine or the like quickly and prevents leakage of absorbed urine or
the like from the top sheet 9A.
[0070] In a case where the core 3a is molded by mixing the super
absorbent polymer with the fluff, it is possible to prevent the
super absorbent polymer from coming out from the fluff by
sandwiching the core 3a between two sheets of tissue paper or
wrapping the core 3a in a single sheet of tissue paper.
[0071] (3) Step 11 through Step 16 show a step of fabricating the
disposable wearing article 1A in a transverse flow state.
[0072] [Step 11] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 8, as with
the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic
laminated body 12B in a transverse flow state manufactured in Step
5, the absorber 3 manufactured in Step 10 is brought into a
transverse flow state by being inverted by 90 degrees using an
interior turn drum 23 (see the left end of FIG. 3), and the
absorber 3 is bonded onto the cover sheet 2 bonded to bridge
between the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic
laminated body 12B, and is also bonded to bridge between the inner
surface webs 11 on the concave portion 12a and the convex portion
12b of the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic
laminated body 12B, respectively (see FIG. 8A). In this case, the
absorber 3 is bonded across the portion 12c where contractive
forces of the concave portion 12a and the convex portion 12b are
lessened.
[0073] [Step 12] Waist elastic members 6 in an extended state in
the length direction A are placed along the both end portions 12d
of the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic
laminated body 12B in the width direction (a direction crossing
with the length direction A) W on the outer surface web 10 side.
The both end portions 12d are folded inward, so that the absorber 3
is bonded to the inner side of the both end portions 12d while the
waist elastic members 6 are inserted in between (see FIGS. 8B and
8C). In order to prevent the fluff or the like from coming out from
the end portions of the absorber 3 and/or leakage of absorbed urine
or the like, it is preferable to bond the both end portions 12d to
cover the top and bottom end portions of the absorber 3.
[0074] Subsequently, the leg hole portions S as described below may
be formed by cutting out the first elastic laminated body 12A and
the second elastic laminated body 12B using a trim cutter (not
shown). Further, the both edge portions of the cover sheet may be
cut off or the both edge portions of the absorber 3 may be cut
off.
[0075] [Step 13] The first elastic laminated body 12A and the
second elastic laminated body 12B are placed one on the other by
folding the absorber 3 inward with the cover sheet 2 on the outside
using a doubling device 24 (see FIG. 8D).
[0076] [Step 14] The intermediate position (equivalent to the both
side portions 1a of the disposable wearing article 1A) of the
absorber 3 adjacent to the first elastic laminated body 12A and the
second elastic laminated body 12B placed one on the other is
side-sealed by fusing heat seals 25a through 25c in several steps.
The heat seals 25a through 25c are not necessarily in the several
steps. Instead of using the heat seals 25a through 25c, the
side-sealing may be performed using sonic.
[0077] [Step 15] The disposable wearing article 1A with the both
side portions 1a being side-sealed can be achieved by cutting the
intermediate portion in the side-sealed portions of the first
elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic laminated body
12B using a product cutter 26.
[0078] [Step 16] The disposable wearing article 1A as the product
is inverted by 90 degrees by a product inverting device 27, and
transported to a product inspection step and to a packing step.
[0079] According to the manufacturing method of the disposable
wearing article 1A of the first embodiment, the elastic laminated
body 12 is manufactured by bonding the two webs 10 and 11 while
inserting the elastic members 4, 5A, and 5B in between. The elastic
laminated body 12 is then cut in the length direction A so that the
concave portions 12a and the convex portions 12b appear
alternately. After the cover sheet 2 is bonded to bridge between
the concave portion 12a and the convex portion 12b of the cut first
elastic laminated body 12A and second elastic laminated body 12B,
respectively, the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B are widened. The absorber 3 is then
attached onto the cover sheet 2.
[0080] The cover sheet 2 is therefore bonded to bridge between the
first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic laminated
body 12B not after the widening when wrinkles are readily produced
in the elastic laminated body 12, but before the widening when
wrinkles are hardly produced, more specifically, immediately after
the cutting. It is thus possible to avoid a problem attributed to
wrinkles and arising when the absorber 3 is attached.
[0081] Also, the method of the invention is particularly effective
in a case where the wrinkles and/or creases are more readily
produced as described above, for example, in a case where the leg
peripheral elastic member 5B is inserted in the convex portion
12b.
[0082] In addition, the bonding can be readily performed by bonding
the cover sheet 2 provided with slack comparable to the widening to
bridge between the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B. A stretchable sheet may be used as the
cover sheet 2. In such a case, a stretchable absorber 3 can be
used, which can in turn improve the feeling of fitness of the
wearer.
[0083] Further, by setting the width W3 of the cover sheet 2 to be
almost equal to that of the absorber 3 and by setting the length
shorter than that of the absorber 3, the material costs can be
saved in comparison with a manufacturing method of manufacturing
the cover sheet 2 integrally with the absorber 3. By taking into
account displacement in width caused when the absorber is attached,
it is preferable in practice to set the width W3 of the cover sheet
2 about 6 to 13% wider.
[0084] Also, by making the cutting in the elastic laminated body 12
in the form of a perforated line so that the laminated bodies can
be separated at the time of widening, it is possible to forestall a
problem that wrinkles are readily produced at the same time instant
the cutting is performed.
[0085] Furthermore, by attaching the waist elastic members 6, the
body-fitting elastic member 4, and the leg peripheral elastic
member 5A and 5B to the first elastic laminated body 12A and the
second elastic laminated body 12B, it is possible to prevent the
disposable wearing article 1A put on the wearer from drooping down
by the waist elastic member 6, while the disposable wearing article
1A can be fit to the body by the body-fitting elastic members 4 and
the adhesion to the leg portions can be enhanced by the leg
peripheral elastic members 5A and 5B.
[0086] Also, by side-sealing the both side portions 1a of the first
elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic laminated body
12B while the absorber 3 is in a folded state, it is possible to
achieve a wearing article of an underpants type.
[0087] In the first embodiment, the cover sheet 2 is bonded to
bridge between the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B obtained by cutting the elastic
laminated body 12 manufactured by bonding the two webs 10 and 11
while inserting the elastic members 4, 5A, and 5B in between.
However, the cover sheet 2 may be bonded to bridge between a first
web and a second web obtained by cutting a single web 11. It should
be noted that the waist elastic member 6 that has no influence on
the occurrence of wrinkles can be attached.
[0088] In such a case, because the cover sheet 2 is bonded to
bridge between the first web and the second web not after the
widening when wrinkles are readily produced, but before the
widening when wrinkles are hardly produced, more specifically,
immediately after the cutting, it is possible to avoid a problem
attributed to wrinkles and arising when the absorber 3 is
attached.
[0089] In the disposable wearing article 1A of the first
embodiment, as are shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 13, the leg peripheral
elastic member 5B on the second elastic laminated body 12B (back
portion Q) side is attached in a curved line state b in the width
direction of the wearing article. However, as are shown in FIG. 10
and FIG. 14A, the leg peripheral elastic member 5B can be attached
to include both the curved line state b and a linear state c in the
width direction of the wearing article.
[0090] Also, as are shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14B, the leg
peripheral elastic member 5B can be attached in the linear state c
in the width direction of the wearing article. The body-fitting
elastic member 4 may be attached to the first elastic laminated
body 12A (front portion P).
Second Embodiment
[0091] FIG. 15 through FIG. 17 show a manufacturing method of a
disposable wearing article 1B of a second embodiment.
[0092] In comparison with the disposable wearing article 1A of the
first embodiment, the disposable wearing article 1B of the second
embodiment is different in that the cover sheet 2 is omitted.
[0093] The manufacturing method of the disposable wearing article
1B of the second embodiment will now be described in points
different from the manufacturing method of the disposable wearing
article 1A of the first embodiment.
[0094] In the step of manufacturing the first elastic laminated
body 12A on the front portion P side and the second elastic
laminated body 12B on the back portion Q side in a transverse flow
state (see Steps 1 through 5 of FIG. 1), the outer surface web 10
that is made of non-woven fabric and fed continuously in the length
direction A is cut in the length direction A using the slitter 16
(see a cutting line D). Cut first outer surface web 10A and second
outer surface web 10B are widened by a specific interval W6 in the
width direction W.
[0095] Also, the inner surface web 11 that is made of non-woven
fabric and fed continuously in the length direction A is cut in the
length direction A using the S-cutter 15 so that the concave
portions 12a and the convex portions 12b appear alternately
(so-called S-cutting, see the cutting line C). Cut first inner
surface web 11A and second inner surface web 11B are widened by a
specific interval W6 in the width direction W, and are shifted in
the length direction A by a phase matching device 13 so that the
concave portions 12b of the respective webs 11A and 11B oppose each
other.
[0096] The phase matching can be performed after the first outer
surface web 10A and the first inner surface web 11A are bonded,
after the second outer surface web 10B and the second inner surface
web 11B are bonded (see Step 1 of FIG. 1), or after the portion 12c
where contractive forces are lessened is formed (see Step 2 of FIG.
1). In other words, the phase matching can be performed at any
timing from the widening step to the bonding step of the absorber
3. However, when it is performed after the bonding step, both the
webs 10A and 11A and the webs 10B and 11B become firm, they can be
handled more readily. It should be noted, however, that the phase
matching can be omitted as in the first embodiment.
[0097] Subsequently, the first elastic laminated body 12A on the
front portion P side and the second elastic laminated body 12B on
the back portion Q side are manufactured by bonding the first outer
surface web 10A to the first inner surface web 11A and the second
outer surface web 10B to the second inner surface web 11B, all of
which are cut and widened, while inserting the body-fitting elastic
members 4 on the front portion P side and the back portion Q side
in an extended state in the length direction A in between. The
second outer surface web 10B and the second inner surface web 11B
may be bonded while inserting the leg peripheral elastic member 5B
in between.
[0098] Meanwhile, in the step of fabricating the disposable wearing
article 1B in a transverse flow state (see Steps 11 through 16 of
FIG. 1), the absorber 3 is bonded across the portion 12c where
contractive forces at the convex portions 12b of the inner surface
webs 11 in the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B are lessened.
[0099] Subsequently, the leg hole portions S are formed by cutting
out the outer surface web 10 using a trim cutter 22 provided
between Step 12 and Step 13.
[0100] In this embodiment, the outer surface web 10 alone is cut
out using the trim cutter 22. However, the inner surface web 11 may
be cut out as well, or alternatively, the both edge portions of the
absorber 3 may be cut off together with the outer surface web 10
and the inner surface web 11.
[0101] According to the manufacturing method of the disposable
wearing article 1B of the second embodiment, the outer surface web
10 is cut in the length direction A, and the cut first outer
surface web 10A and second outer surface web 10B are widened.
Meanwhile, the inner surface web 11 is cut in the length direction
A so that the concave portions 12a and the convex portions 12b
appear alternately, and the cut first inner surface web 11A and
second inner surface web 11B are widened followed by the phase
matching. After the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second
elastic laminated body 12B are manufactured by bonding the first
outer surface web 10A to the first inner surface web 11A and the
second outer surface web 10B to the second inner surface web 11B
while inserting the body-fitting elastic members 4 in between, the
absorber 3 is bonded to bridge between the convex portions 12b of
the first inner surface web 11A and the second inner surface web
11B.
[0102] The outer surface web 10 is therefore in a seamless state in
the constant width in the width direction, and transported in open
width while tension in the length direction is kept applied. The
outer surface web 10 therefore has a resistance against contraction
of the body-fitting member 4 inserted between the self and the
inner surface web 11. Hence, the occurrence of wrinkles in the
convex portions 12b of the manufactured first elastic laminated
body 12A and second elastic laminated body 12B can be suppressed in
comparison with a case where both the outer surface web 10 and the
inner surface web 11 have the concave portion and the convex
portion. It is thus possible to avoid a problem attributed to the
occurrence of wrinkles when the absorber 3 is attached to bridge
between the convex portions 12b of the first inner surface web 11A
and the second inner surface web 11B.
[0103] The method of the invention is particularly effective in a
case where the wrinkles and/or creases are readily produced as
described above, for example, when the leg peripheral elastic
member 5B is inserted in the convex portion 12b.
[0104] In addition, because the cover sheet 2 used in the first
embodiment can be omitted, the cost can be saved.
[0105] Further, by shifting the cut first inner surface web 11A and
second inner surface web 11B in the length direction so that the
convex portions 12b of the respective webs 11A and 11B oppose each
other, it is possible to bond the absorber 3 to bridge between the
convex portions 12b of the first elastic laminated body 12A and the
second elastic laminated body 12B. This configuration makes it
possible to bond the absorber 3 to the convex portions 12b of a
large space, which enables the bonding to be performed in a
reliable manner.
[0106] In addition, because part of the absorber 3 can be covered
with the convex portions 12b of both the first elastic laminated
body 12A and the second elastic laminated body 12B, the wearing
article can be approximated to underpants in shape. The visual
quality can be therefore improved, which can in turn increase the
commercial value of the disposable wearing article 1B.
Third Embodiment
[0107] FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a manufacturing method of a
disposable wearing article 1C of the third embodiment.
[0108] In comparison with the disposable wearing article 1B of the
second embodiment, the disposable wearing article 1C of the third
embodiment is different in that the outer surface web 10 is neither
cut nor widened.
[0109] The manufacturing method of the disposable wearing article
1C of the third embodiment will now be described in points
different from the manufacturing method of the disposable wearing
article 1B of the second embodiment.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 15 of the second embodiment again, the
step of cutting and widening the outer surface web 10 (see a
portion indicated by a capital F) and the step of bonding the film
9b of the back sheet 9B (see a portion indicated by a capital G)
can be omitted.
[0111] In other words, the inner surface web 11 that is made of
non-woven fabric and fed continuously in the length direction A is
cut in the length direction A using the S-cutter 15 so that the
concave portions 12a and the convex portions 12b appear alternately
(so-called S-cutting, see the cutting line C), and the cut first
inner surface web 11A and second inner surface web 11B are widened
by a specific interval W6 in the width direction W while being
shifted in the length direction A by the phase matching device 13
so that the convex portions 12b of the respective webs 11A and 11B
oppose each other. It should be noted, however, that the phase
matching can be omitted as in the first embodiment.
[0112] The outer surface web 10 that is made of non-woven fabric
set to have a breadth W7 in a widened state and fed continuously in
the length direction A is bonded to the first inner surface web 11A
and the second inner surface web 11B while inserting the
body-fitting elastic members 4 on the front portion P side and the
back portion Q side in an extended state in the length direction A
in between. The first elastic laminated body 12A on the front
portion P side and the second elastic laminated body 12B on the
back portion Q side are thus manufactured while being connected via
the outer surface web 10. The outer surface web 10 may be bonded to
the second inner surface web 11B while inserting the leg peripheral
elastic member 5B in between.
[0113] Meanwhile, in the step of fabricating the disposable wearing
article 1C in a transverse flow state (see Steps 11 through 16 of
FIG. 1), the absorber 3 is bonded not only across the portion 12c
where contractive forces at the convex portions 12b of the inner
surface webs 11 in the first elastic laminated body 12A and the
second elastic laminated body 12B are lessened, but also onto the
seamless outer surface web 10.
[0114] Subsequently, the leg hole portions S are formed by cutting
out the outer surface web 10 using the trim cutter 22 provided
between Step 12 and Step 13.
[0115] In this embodiment, the outer surface web 10 alone is cut
out using the trim cutter 22. However, the inner surface web 11 may
be cut out as well, or alternatively, the both edge portions of the
absorber 3 may be cut off together with the outer surface web 10
and the inner surface web 11.
[0116] According to the manufacturing method of the disposable
wearing article 1C of the third embodiment, the inner surface web
11 is cut in the length direction A so that the concave portions
12a and the convex portions 12b appear alternately, and the cut
first inner surface web 11A and second inner surface web 11B are
widened. Meanwhile, after the first elastic laminated body 12A and
the second elastic laminated body 12B connected via the outer
surface web 10 are manufactured by bonding the outer surface web 10
that is set to have the breadth W7 in a widened state is bonded to
the first inner surface web 11A and to the second inner surface web
11B while inserting the body-fitting elastic members 4 in between,
the absorber 3 is bonded to bridge between the convex portions 12b
of the first inner surface web 11A and the second inner surface web
11B.
[0117] The outer surface web 10 is therefore neither cut nor
widened, and transported in open width while tension in the length
direction is kept applied. The outer surface web 10 thus has a
resistance against the contraction of the body-fitting elastic
members 4 inserted between the self and the inner surface web 11.
It is thus possible to avoid a problem attributed to the occurrence
of wrinkles and arising when the absorber is attached to bridge
between the convex portions 12b of the first inner surface web 11A
and the second inner surface web 11B.
[0118] When the absorber 3 is bonded to bridge between the first
inner surface web 11A and the second inner surface web 11B that are
cut and widened, trim losses in the webs 10 and 11 are hardly
produced during the manufacturing steps. It is thus possible to
reduce the manufacturing costs of the disposable wearing article
1C.
[0119] The method of the invention is particularly effective in a
case where the wrinkles and/or creases are readily produced as
described above, for example, when the leg peripheral elastic
member 5B is inserted in the convex portion 12b.
[0120] Further, because the cover sheet 2 used in the first
embodiment can be omitted, the cost can be saved.
[0121] Furthermore, because the intermediate portion of the
absorber 3 can be covered with the seamless outer surface web 10,
the visual quality is increased.
Fourth Embodiment
[0122] FIG. 20 through FIG. 24 show a manufacturing method of a
disposable wearing article 1D of a fourth embodiment.
[0123] In comparison with the disposable wearing article 1B of the
second embodiment, the disposable wearing article 1D of the fourth
embodiment is different in that the inner surface web is not
S-cut.
[0124] The manufacturing method of the disposable wearing article
1D of the fourth embodiment will now be described in points
different from the manufacturing method of the disposable wearing
article 1B of the second embodiment.
[0125] As are shown in FIG. 20 through FIG. 22, in the step of
manufacturing the first elastic laminated body 12A on the front
portion P side and the second elastic laminated body 12B on the
back Q side in a transverse flow state (see Steps 1 through 5 of
FIG. 1), the elastic laminated body 12 is manufactured by bonding
the outer surface web 10 and the inner surface web 11 that are fed
continuously in the length direction A while inserting the
body-fitting elastic members 4 and the leg peripheral elastic
members 5A and 5B on the front portion P side and the back portion
Q side in an extended state in the length direction A in
between.
[0126] The elastic laminated body 12 is cut in the length direction
A using the slitter 16 (see the cutting line D), and the cut first
elastic laminated body 12A and second elastic laminated body 12B
are widened by a specific interval W6 in the width direction W.
[0127] Meanwhile, in the step of fabricating the disposable wearing
article 1C in a transverse flow state (see Steps 11 through 16 of
FIG. 1), the absorber 3 is bonded across the portion 12c where
contractive forces of the inner surface webs 11 in the first
elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic laminated body
12B are lessened.
[0128] Subsequently, the leg hole portions S are formed by cutting
out the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic
laminated body 12B using the trim cutter 22 provided between Step
12 and Step 13. The both edge portions of the absorber 3 may be
also cut off.
[0129] According to the manufacturing method of the disposable
wearing article 1D of the fourth embodiment, the leg hole portions
S are cut out after the absorber 3 is bonded to bridge between the
widened first elastic laminated body 12A and second elastic
laminated body 12B. The absorber 3 can be therefore provided in the
absence of a problem attributed to occurrence of wrinkles as
described above.
[0130] As is shown in FIG. 23, leg peripheral elastic members 5C
that cross with the leg peripheral elastic member 5A on the front
portion P side and the leg peripheral elastic member 5B on the back
portion Q side may be attached to the absorber 3. Also, as is shown
in FIG. 24, the leg peripheral elastic member 5B on the back
portion Q side may be attached in a curved line along the back edge
portion of the back portion Q instead of being attached
linearly.
Fifth Embodiment
[0131] FIG. 25 through FIG. 27 show a manufacturing method of a
disposable wearing article 1E of a fifth embodiment.
[0132] In comparison with the disposable wearing article 1B of the
second embodiment, the disposable wearing article 1E of the fifth
embodiment is different in that the inner surface web is not
S-cut.
[0133] The manufacturing method of the disposable wearing article
1E of the fifth embodiment will now be described in points
different from the manufacturing method of the disposable wearing
article 1B of the second embodiment.
[0134] The inner surface web 11 that is made of non-woven fabric
and fed continuously in the length direction A is cut in the length
direction A (see the cutting line D) using the slitter 16, and the
cut first inner surface web 11A and second inner surface web 11B
are widened by a specific interval W6 in the width direction W.
[0135] The outer surface web 10 that is made of non-woven fabric
set to have a breadth W7 in a widened state and fed continuously in
the length direction A is bonded to the first inner surface web 11A
and to the second inner surface web 11B while inserting the
body-fitting elastic members 4 and the leg peripheral elastic
members 5A and 5B on the front portion P side and the back portion
Q side in an extended state in the length direction A in between.
The first elastic laminated body 12A on the front portion P side
and the second elastic laminated body 12B on the back portion Q
side are thus manufactured while being connected via the outer
surface web 10.
[0136] Meanwhile, in the step of fabricating the disposable wearing
article 1E in a transverse flow state (see Steps 11 through 16 of
FIG. 1), the absorber 3 is bonded not only across the portion 12c
where contractive forces of the inner surface webs 11 in the first
elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic laminated body
12B are lessened, but also onto the seamless outer surface web
10.
[0137] Subsequently, the leg hole portions S are formed by cutting
out the first elastic laminated body 12A and the second elastic
laminated body 12B using the trim cutter 22 provided between Step
12 and Step 13. The both edge portions 3b of the absorber 3 are
also cut off using the trim cutter 22 in this embodiment.
[0138] According to the manufacturing method of the disposable
wearing article 1E of the fifth embodiment, the leg hole portions S
are cut out after the absorber 3 is bonded to bridge between the
first elastic laminated body 12A and second elastic laminated body
12B connected via the outer surface web 10. The absorber 3 can be
therefore provided in the absence of a problem attributed to the
occurrence of wrinkles as described above.
[0139] As described above, a first manufacturing method comprises
steps of: cutting a web in a length direction so that a concave
portion and a convex portion appear alternately; attaching a cover
sheet to bridge between cut first web and second web; widening the
first web and the second web to which the cover sheet is attached;
and attaching an absorber onto the cover sheet.
[0140] According to the first manufacturing method, the web is cut
in the length direction so that the concave portion and the convex
portion appear alternately, and the cover sheet is attached to
bridge between the cut first web and second web, after which the
first web and the second web are widened. The absorber is then
attached onto the cover sheet.
[0141] By attaching the cover sheet to bridge between the first web
and the second web not after the widening when wrinkles are readily
produced, but before the widening when wrinkles are not readily
produced, preferably, after the cutting when wrinkles are hardly
produced, and more preferably, immediately after the cutting, the
occurrence of wrinkles particularly in the convex portion can be
eliminated. It is thus possible to avoid a problem attributed to
wrinkles and arising when the absorber is attached.
[0142] A second manufacturing method comprises steps of:
manufacturing an elastic laminated body by laminating two webs
while inserting an elastic member in an extended state in a web
length direction in between; cutting the elastic laminated body in
a length direction so that a concave portion and a convex portion
appear alternately; attaching a cover sheet to bridge between the
concave portion and the convex portion of cut first elastic
laminated body and second elastic laminated body, respectively;
widening the first elastic laminated body and the second elastic
laminated body to which the cover sheet is attached; and attaching
an absorber onto the cover sheet.
[0143] According to the second manufacturing method, after the
elastic laminated body is manufactured by laminating the two webs
while inserting the elastic member in between, the elastic
laminated body is cut in the length direction so that the concave
portion and the convex portion appear alternately. After the cover
sheet is attached to bridge between the concave portion and the
convex portion of the cut first elastic laminated body and second
elastic laminated body, respectively, the first elastic laminated
body and the second elastic laminated body are widened. The
absorber is then attached onto the cover sheet.
[0144] By attaching the cover sheet to bridge between a first belt
member and a second belt member not after the widening when
wrinkles are readily produced, but before the widening when
wrinkles are not readily produced, preferably, after the cutting
when wrinkles are hardly produced, and more preferably, immediately
after the cutting, it is possible to avoid a problem attributed to
wrinkles and arising when the absorber is attached.
[0145] Further, this method is particularly effective in a case
where a leg peripheral elastic member is inserted in the convex
portion, because the occurrence of wrinkles or creases can be
suppressed as much as possible.
[0146] In the first and second manufacturing method, it is
preferable that the cover sheet is provided with slack comparable
to widening when attached to bridge between the webs or between the
concave and convex portions.
[0147] When the cover sheet is attached to bridge between the webs
or between the concave and convex portions with slack comparable to
the widening, the attachment can be performed with ease.
[0148] A third manufacturing method comprises steps of: cutting an
outer surface web in a length direction; widening cut first outer
surface web and second outer surface web; cutting an inner surface
web in a length direction so that a concave portion and a convex
portion appear alternately; widening cut first inner surface web
and second inner surface web; manufacturing a first elastic
laminated body and a second elastic laminated body by laminating
the first outer surface web to the first inner surface web and the
second outer surface web to the second inner surface web while
inserting an elastic member in an extended state in a web length
direction in between; and attaching an absorber to bridge between
the first inner surface web and the second inner surface web.
[0149] According to the third manufacturing method, the outer
surface web is cut in the length direction and the cut first outer
surface web and second outer surface web are widened. Meanwhile,
the inner surface web is cut in the length direction so that the
concave portion and the convex portion appear alternately, and the
cut first inner surface web and second inner surface web are
widened. After the first elastic laminated body and the second
elastic laminated body are manufactured by laminating the first
outer surface web to the first inner surface web and the second
outer surface web to the second inner surface web while inserting
the elastic member in between, the absorber is attached to bridge
between the first inner surface web and the second inner surface
web.
[0150] The outer surface web is therefore in a seamless state in
the constant width in the width direction, and transported in open
width while tension in the length direction is kept applied. The
outer surface web thus has a resistance against contraction of the
elastic member inserted between the self and the inner surface web.
Hence, the occurrence of wrinkles in the first elastic laminated
body and the second elastic laminated body thus manufactured can be
suppressed in comparison with a case where both the outer surface
web and the inner surface web have the concave portions and the
convex portions. It is thus possible to avoid a problem attributed
to the occurrence of wrinkles and arising when the absorber is
attached to bridge between the convex portions of the first inner
surface web and the second inner surface web.
[0151] Further, this method is particularly effective in a case
where a leg peripheral elastic member is inserted in the convex
portion, because the occurrence of wrinkles or creases can be
suppressed as much as possible.
[0152] A fourth manufacturing method comprises steps of: cutting an
inner surface web in a length direction so that a concave portion
and a convex portion appear alternately; widening cut first inner
surface web and second inner surface web; laminating an outer
surface web to the first inner surface web and to the second inner
surface web while inserting an elastic member in an extended state
in a web length direction in between; and attaching an absorber to
bridge between the first inner surface web and the second inner
surface web.
[0153] According to the fourth manufacturing method, the inner
surface web is cut in the length direction so that the concave
portion and the convex portion appear alternately, and the cut
first inner surface web and second inner surface web are widened.
After the first elastic laminated body and the second elastic
laminated body are manufactured by laminating the outer surface web
to the first inner surface web and to the second inner surface web
while inserting the elastic member in between, the absorber is
attached to bridge between the first inner surface web and the
second inner surface web.
[0154] The outer surface web is therefore neither cut nor widened,
and transported in open width while tension in the length direction
is kept applied. The outer surface web thus has a resistance
against contraction of the elastic member inserted between the self
and the inner surface web. It is thus possible to avoid a problem
attributed to the occurrence of wrinkles and arising when the
absorber is attached to bridge between the convex portions of the
first inner surface web and the second inner surface web.
[0155] In addition, because the intermediate portion of the
absorber can be covered with the seamless outer surface web, the
visual quality can be improved.
[0156] The third and fourth manufacturing methods may be preferably
configured to further include a step of shifting the cut first
inner surface web and second inner surface web in the length
direction so that concave portions of the respective webs oppose
each other.
[0157] By shifting the cut first inner surface web and second inner
surface web in the length direction so that the convex portions of
the respective webs oppose each other in this manner, the absorber
can be attached to bridge between the convex portions of both the
first elastic laminated body and the second elastic laminated body.
This enables the absorber to be attached to the convex portions of
a large space. The attachment can be therefore performed in a
reliable manner.
[0158] In addition, because part of the absorber can be covered
with the convex portions of both the first elastic laminated body
and the second elastic laminated body, the wearing article can be
approximated to underpants in shape. The visual quality can be
therefore improved, which can in turn increase the commercial value
of the wearing article.
[0159] The first through fourth manufacturing methods may be
preferably configured in such a manner that the elastic member
includes a waist elastic member, a body-fitting elastic member, and
a leg peripheral elastic member, and that the leg peripheral
elastic member is in a state where the leg peripheral elastic
member is provided in a linear state or a curved line state in a
width direction or in a state having the both states.
[0160] When configured in this manner, it is possible to prevent
the wearing article put on a wearer from drooping down by the waist
elastic member, while the wearing article can be fit to the body by
the body-fitting elastic member and adhesion to the leg portions
can be enhanced by the leg peripheral elastic member.
[0161] It may be preferable that the first through fourth
manufacturing methods further include a step of side-sealing both
side portions of the first web and the second web or both side
portions of the first elastic laminated body and the second elastic
laminated body while the absorber is in a folded state.
[0162] By side-sealing the both side portions of the first web and
the second web or the both side portions of the first elastic
laminated body and the second elastic laminated body while the
absorber is in a folded state, a wearing article of an underpants
type can be obtained.
[0163] It may be preferable that the first through fourth
manufacturing methods further include a step of forming leg hole
portions.
[0164] As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the
present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that
fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such
metes and bounds are therefore intended to embraced by the
claims.
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